Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte reports that 33 head of livestock and 40 projects were sold during the 4-H auction Thursday evening at the Geary County Free Fair.
A total of 73 projects and livestock were sold, the most in over two decades. The 33 head of livestock and 40 projects brought a combined premium value of $32,415, just slightly below the 2015 premium total of $32,785. The difference was that in 2015 only 59 livestock and projects were sold.
The average livestock premium was $653 which was down from the past several years. The project premiums of $271 was also down from the past two years. The 40 projects that were sold was the most that has ever been sold since projects were included over 20 years ago. The 33 head of livestock were also the most that have been sold in over a decade.
The market value of the livestock sold was $16,518.90, up from last year but well down from the 2014 total of $17,131.24, a year when livestock market prices were at an all time high and there were 11 fewer head of livestock.
Even with a slight dip in the premiums paid, the sale was very good, especially given the very warm weather. There were numerous new buyers which is always greatly appreciated!
The grand champion market beef belonging to Weston Langvardt had a market value of $1,512.25 and brought a premium of $1,200 from Central National Bank. The champion market hog belonging to Cody Brown drew a market value of $120.50 plus a premium of $650 from JC Custom Harvesting, Brown Auction & Real Estate, and Effland Seeds. Kacey Butler’s champion market goat had a market value of $159.60 and brought a $625 premium from Harris Show Lambs, and the champion market lamb belonging to Macey Langvardt had a $180 market value and drew a premium of $750 from Sink, Gordon & Associates, and Lyons Ranch.
In the project category the grand champion sunflower welcome sign belonging to Macie Muto sold for a $350 premium from Millenium Bank, and the grand
champion honey cookies prepared by Heston jahnke drew a $200 premium from Flint Hills Ag.
Charly Goodwin’s peanut butter cup brownies basket received a $150 premium from Millenium Bank, the raspberry buttermilk muffins made by Josie Strauss a $300 premium from Harris Crop Insurance, and a patriotic wreath by Chelsey Armbruster $225 from Jim Clark Chevrolet Cadillac. The frosted brownies prepared by Ethan Goodyear received a $350 premium from Black Diamond Custom Feeders.